Madam President,

The Chinese delegation wishes to thank Special Coordinator Mladenov for his briefing. We’ve listened to the statement by Ms. Hary.

China is deeply worried about the turbulent Palestinian-Israeli situation. Recently military operations have escalated, causing heavy civilian casualties. Settlements activities are still advancing. There have even been rhetoric justifying such activities. The prospect of a “two-state solution” is undermined. On this occasion, China wishes to emphasize the following:

First, it is imperative to stop all rhetoric and actions running counter to the relevant UN resolutions and international consensus and adhere to the overarching goal of the "two-state solution”. The "two-state solution" and "Land for Peace" are the bottom line of international justice. There shall be no retreat from it, not even by half a step. Independent statehood is an inalienable national right of the Palestinian people. It is not something to be traded for. Security Council Resolution 2334 clearly states that settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, is in violation of international law. Given the critical situation on the ground, all parties shall remain committed to playing a constructive role, refrain from making irresponsible rhetoric, prevent exacerbation of tensions and confrontation and refrain from introducing new complexities to the Palestinian issue. The relevant party should immediately cease all settlement activities in the occupied territories and stop the demolition of Palestinian houses and the destruction of their property.

Second, it is vital to stay committed to political and diplomatic means in resolving the issue and refrain from taking actions that might escalate tensions. With the recent tensions in southern Israel and Gaza, the international community has been closely following the situation and is deeply worried. China has been working hard to alleviate tensions. The Chinese government’s Special Envoy for the Middle East, Mr Zhai Jun, has been in close contact with the parties concerned. China commends Special Coordinator Mladenov, Egypt and other parties for conducting active mediation and facilitating a ceasefire agreement. China calls on all parties concerned to stay calm, exercise restraint and commit themselves to rebuilding and fostering mutual trust, thereby creating favorable conditions for re-launching peace talks.

The international community should continue to work on the basis of the "two-state solution", the relevant UN resolutions, the principle of “Land for Peace” and the Arab Initiative, among others, push both parties to re-launch peace talks as soon as possible with a view to establishing the State of Palestine with full sovereignty and with East Jerusalem as its capital on the basis of 1967 borders.

Third, it is necessary to closely follow and improve the economic and humanitarian situation in Palestine, take comprehensive measures and pursue peace through development. The economic and humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territories remains dire. UNRWA has done a lot to improve the humanitarian situation of Palestine refugees. It is a success story of multilateralism and the role of the United Nations. On the 15th of this month, the Fourth Committee of the 74th Session of the General Assembly adopted, with overwhelming majority, a resolution renewing the mandate of UNRWA, fully demonstrating international support to and recognition of UNRWA’s work. China supports UNRWA to continue to play an important role. Promoting development is an important step towards resolving the Palestinian issue. China calls on the parties concerned to fully implement relevant UN resolutions and completely lift the blockade on Gaza as soon as possible. China will continue its cooperation with Palestine in economy, finance, culture, education, health and other sectors, and take concrete actions to promote national stability and development in Palestine.

Thank you, Madam President.